ATLAS Brings Space Photonics into the Spotlight at the Lasers4EU Annual Meeting 2026

The Lasers4EU & Laserlab-Europe Annual & Users Meeting 2026, co-organised by HiLASE and ELI Beamlines, brought together researchers from across Europe to discuss the latest advances in laser science and its growing impact on real-world applications. Among the event's key themes was the future of laser technologies in space, a programme section organised within the ATLAS project.

The dedicated session, The Role of Lasers in the Future of Space Development, highlighted how laser-based technologies are shaping the next generation of space missions. From advanced optical diagnostics and contamination monitoring to other emerging photonic solutions, the programme created a platform for researchers and industry representatives to exchange ideas and discuss the challenges that lie ahead for the European space sector.

For the HiLASE space team, the event was an opportunity not only to shape the discussion but also to showcase the research being developed within the project.

One of the highlights came during the poster session, where our very own Tomáš Thoř received the Best Poster Award 2026 (Freek Ariese Poster Award) for his work on Lock-in Thermography for Optical Contamination Detection. His research addresses a critical challenge for laser-optical systems intended for space applications: the real-time detection of microscopic particle contamination on optical surfaces. The presented approach combines modulated laser excitation with infrared thermography to identify contamination in a non-destructive manner, offering a promising solution for future high-performance optical instruments.

We're proud that ATLAS helped shape the space programme at this year's meeting and that the HiLASE space team had such a strong presence throughout the event. Congratulations once again to Tomáš on this fantastic achievement!